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<br />MINUTES OF BUDGET RETREAT <br />OF THE LA PORTE CITY COUNCIL <br />April 19, 2008 <br /> <br />City Council Present: Mayor Porter, Council members Malone, Beasley, Mosteit, Engelken, <br />Ebow, Moser and Clausen. <br /> <br />Absent: Councilmember Rigby <br /> <br />Staff Present: City Manager Ron Bottoms, City Secretary Martha Gillett, Police Chief Richard <br />Reff, Assistant Police Chief Ron Parker, Director of Public Works Steve Gillett, Finance Director <br />Michael Dolby, Budget Officer Shelley Wolny, Accountant Gay Collins, Fire Chief Mike Boaze, <br />Assistant Fire Chief Donald Ladd, Golf Manager Alex Osmond, EMS Chief Ray Nolen, Director of <br />Parks and Recreation Stephen Barr, Planning Director Tim Tietjens and Judge Denise Mitrano. <br /> <br />1. The Meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by Mayor Porter. <br /> <br />2. Receive direction from City Council on upcoming 2008-2009 Fiscal Year Budget. <br /> <br />3. The following items were discussed: <br /> <br />Finance Director Michael Dolby provided a financial overview. Items discussed <br />included property tax, in lieu taxes trend, general fund revenue vs. expenditures, <br />assumptions, utility fund, and other enterprise funds. <br /> <br />Council requested a breakdown of capital expenditures and major maintenance items <br />regarding the Sylvan Beach pavilion. <br /> <br />It was noted an improved GPS system is needed at the airport in order to improve <br />landing capabilities at the La Porte Municipal Airport and attract corporate clients. <br /> <br />Golf Course Fund - fund has improved this year. 3000 rounds are up from last year's <br />figures. Alex Osmond was directed to do a survey and offer incentive programs. Mr. <br />Osmond noted he is looking at improvements to the website as well. <br /> <br />Council requested staff to look at replacing full-time positions with part-time positions <br />where applicable when a vacancy occurs. It was also noted we do not want to lose <br />customer service as a result. <br /> <br />Mr. Dolby further noted the City is overall in good financial condition. <br /> <br />Texas Municipal Retirement System Increase (TMRS) - Mr. Bottoms reviewed the <br />upcoming increase and noted TMRS is allowing cities to step increases to avoid the <br />burden all at once. Mr. Bottoms recommended the City not change any TMRS <br />benefits and absorb the additional costs. The consensus of Council was in <br />agreement. <br />